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The Arkansas bill that would ban abortions after heartbeat could be detected has been vetoed by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe. Because pregnancy is not typically detected until after a child has a beating heart, critics of the legislation say it was essentially an attempt to ban all abortions and would entrench abortion rights if the bill were seen as attacking Roe V Wade surreptitiously. A veto fight is expected.

Beebe did sign legislation giving mothers legal protection when being threatened during their pregnancy. Studies like a March of Dimes study show high violence rates during pregnancy. That study showed one in six pregnant women has been abused by a partner. The Pregnant Woman’s Protection Act is intended to ensure that a pregnant woman and her child are protected from unlawful criminal violence and that a woman’s decision to carry her child to term is protected.

In other news, Oregon Right to Life has produced a simple video demonstrating how many abortions have taken place in the 40 years since Roe V Wade. The video is posted at the National Right to Life website, NRLC dot org.